This tall, gray-haired pipeline worker would take you by surprise if he told you he can wolf down a 5-pound burger in 30 minutes.

But that's exactly what happened Friday when Mike Whities, also known as 'Big Eater Mike,' took on the "Stupid Burger Challenge" at Rooster's Restaurant in Fondren.

Rooster's owner Nathan Glenn weighs the platter of food for the Stupid Burger Challenge at the Fondren restaurant in Jackson, Miss. Instead of the intended 5 pounds of food, the weight came in at 6 pounds, 8 ounces. Glenn offered a $50 gift card in addition to the $100 gift card for contestant Mike Whities of Brandon, also know a Big Eater Mike, if he finished all the food within 30 minutes.(Photo11: Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger)

He had 30 minutes to finish a 5-pound burger with bacon, fries and onion rings — about 6-pounds, 8 ounces of food, according to Rooster's co-owner and operational manager Nathan Glenn.

Glenn and Whities decided to put the burger challenge together in order to bring more food challenges to Jackson.

Whities, a Brandon native, has competed in different food competitions over the years.

At 15, Whities had an accident that would change his life.

In 1990, Whities lost his left arm after it got stuck in a piece of machinery.

"Life goes on, no sense in dwelling on it," he said Friday before digging into his gigantic lunch. "Just make the best of it, that's what I'm trying to do."

Making the best of it is what Whities excels at, especially with food.

"I know I eat more than the average person...I love to eat!" Whities said.

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

Cooked to the competitor's order for Rooster's Stupid Burger Challenge on Friday, Feb. 2, 2019, Rooster's owner Nathan Glenn swings the medium-rare super burger from the grill to a waiting 10-inch bun. Just outside the kitchen, people gather to see a person attempt to eat at least five pounds of burger and fries within 30 minutes. Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger

Glenn weighs the platter of food for the Stupid Burger Challenge at the Fondren restaurant. Instead of the intended 5 pounds of food, the weight came in at 6 pounds, 8 ounces. Glenn offered a $50 gift card in addition to the $100 gift card for contestant Mike Whities of Brandon, also know a Big Eater Mike, if he finished all the food within 30 minutes. Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger